2014 NBA Playoff Picks: Pacers Aim to Close Out Wizards

The Indiana Pacers were almost a complete waste of a number one seed, as they struggled their way to a game seven and series win over the eight seeded Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs. Just four games later, and they look like a serious threat to reach the NBA Finals again.

Roy Hibbert has come alive and Paul George has rediscovered his scoring touch, suddenly putting Indy one win away from reaching the Eastern Conference finals. The Washington Wizards had many thinking upset after a dominant win in game one, but have failed to rise to the occasion.

Tuesday brings another intense battle between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers, as well, so let’s break both of these contests down and pick a winner:

Washington Wizards (5) @ Indiana Pacers (1) – 7:00 PM ET

Paul George had been quiet through the first three games of this series, but seemed to get his mojo back with a 39-point outburst in Indiana’s game four win. The series is back in Indy now, and with little life being shown out of the Wizards on their own court the past two games, the Pacers should look to put the finishing touches on a 4-1 series win.

Washington isn’t hopeless here, as they played extremely well in game one and played well enough to win in game two, but they probably need an elite game out of point guard John Wall. Wall has had a very mediocre showing in this series, and really hasn’t shown up since a dominant performance in the first game. Look for the Pacers to keep him under wraps as they have been doing as they get the win.

Pick: Pacers 89, Wizards 85

Los Angeles Clippers (3) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (3) – 9:30 PM ET

The Clippers should be in a 3-1 hole right now, but Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook says his team “relaxed” in game four, allowing the Clips to keep this a tight series. The series shifts back to OKC, though, where both prior games were fairly one-sided.

These teams are pretty well matched, but the Thunder seem to hold the upper hand, overall. It will take a mighty effort from Blake Griffin for L.A. to come in and earn the road win. It’s just hard to see the deadly duo of Kevin Durant and Westbrook coming up lame in a huge game five on their home court.

Pick: Thunder 103, Clippers 101